Student Trainee (Biological Scientist)

Full Job Description

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) is an independent, nonpartisan agency that works for Congress.

We accomplish our mission by providing objective and reliable information and analysis to the Congress, to federal agencies, and to the public, and recommending improvements, when appropriate, on a wide variety of issues to make government work better.

This vacancy is for Summer internship positions. The anticipated start dates begin in May 2026. All qualification requirements must be met by the start of the internship.

To qualify for the GS-7 level you MUST be enrolled in a graduate or equivalent degree seeking program majoring in: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position; AND meet one of the following criteria: You must have completed 1 full academic year of graduate level education (between 18 to 35 semester hours or 27 to 53 quarter hours of graduate level education); OR You must possess a Bachelor's degree with Superior Academic Achievement (defined below).

Superior Academic Achievement: Superior academic achievement (SAA) recognizes individuals who have achieved superior academic standing. S.A.A.

is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership.

Class standing -- Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses.

Grade-point average (G.P.A.) - Applicants must have a grade-point average of: a 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.

To qualify for the GS-9 level you MUST be enrolled in a graduate or equivalent degree seeking program majoring in: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position; AND meet one of the following criteria: You must have completed 2 academic years of graduate level education (36 or more semester hours or 54 or more quarter hours of graduate level education); OR You must possess a Master's Degree or equivalent Graduate Degree.

NOTE: You must be a current student enrolled in a graduate program seeking a degree from an accredited educational institution on a full or half-time basis.

If at any point during the internship (and for any reason) your status as a student changes to that of a non-student, your internship will be terminated. Major Duties:

As an intern, you will assist with the execution of engagements related to science and technology issues, including data collection and analysis, message conceptualization, and developing and drafting findings, in accordance with professional standards and GAO Quality Assurance Standards.

The work assignments may involve any of the following tasks (described at the highest level): - Supports the execution of science and technology engagements including performance audits, technology assessments, and Comptroller General forums and roundtables, particularly those related to the biological sciences, including biology (including microbiology and virology), genetics, epidemiology, pharmacology, and biochemistry.

- Conducts background research on the subject matter; prepares and organizes relevant documentation; gathers data and analyses from a variety of sources, develops interview questions and takes thorough interview notes; and evaluates engagement-related documentation to make logical inferences and draw accurate conclusions.

- Prepares written summaries and produces other written products that effectively summarize key information.

- Participates in defined portions of the engagement, including developing the study design; conducting background research on scientific subject matter; preparing and organizing documentation; and data gathering and analysis from a variety of sources.

- Conducts interviews to gather and document appropriate information.

Communicates relevant information to agency officials, team members, internal stakeholders, and congressional staff, during formal and informal presentations and meetings.

- Conducts structured qualitative and/or quantitative analyses of the engagement research data, responses received from interviewees, and other evidence that has been collected from various sources.

- Compiles and prepares written summaries of interviews and analyses and produce reports and other written products that effectively communicate information and findings.

- Assists senior staff to present information in meetings with GAO and agency officials as part of the team working on the project.

Responsible for executing moderately difficult assigned projects, to comply with all applicable GAO laws and policies.

- Demonstrates and presents information in meetings and begins learning project management techniques. - Learns and uses appropriate tools for assignments.

Potential tools could include the document management system, Excel, Outlook, and various tools for qualitative and quantitative data analysis. - Performs other duties as assigned.